The Great debate: What's better for protecting your camera lenses, a lens hood or a UV filter?
Given the substantial investment in high-quality lenses, it's crucial to prioritize their protection. While there's ongoing debate about whether lens hoods or UV filters offer superior protection, I believe lens hoods provide a more effective and cost-efficient solution.
Lens Hoods
Physical protection: Lens hoods provide a physical barrier between your lens and external elements like bumps, scratches, and accidental drops. They can also shield your lens from rain and dust.
Flare reduction: Lens hoods help prevent lens flare, which can occur when light enters the lens at an angle and creates unwanted reflections.
Cost-effective: Lens hoods are typically less expensive than UV filters. Especially when many lenses come with them when you buy them.
UV Filters
UV filters can offer some limited protection against scratches and fingerprints, but they’re not as effective as lens hoods for physical protection. Additionally, some UV filters can introduce image quality issues, especially if they’re made of low-quality glass. Why do some people buy cheap filters and attach them to good quality glass, it’s a waste of money, in my opinion.
Another thing to note, I have found when using a UV Filter it is often difficult to attach the lens cap securely. When it continuously falls off, and therefore not protect the UV FIlter from scratches making it a moot point. Why use a scratched UV Filter?
Are UV Filters a complete waste of money?
While UV filters can be useful in extreme conditions (e.g., sandy beaches, and dusty deserts), their benefits often outweigh the costs. In most scenarios, a lens hood provides adequate protection without compromising image quality or convenience. Additional UV Filters are not as tough as your lens glass and can break and scratch quite quickly.
Final thoughts
This debate has been going on for over a decade (possibly longer), those who swear by one over the other will no doubt not be swayed by my argument. But I feel you are better off saving your money and not getting a UV Filter, or if required at least get a good quality one. While personal preferences may vary, I advocate for prioritizing lens hoods as a reliable and cost-effective investment in your camera equipment. By protecting your lens from physical damage and reducing flare, you’ll ensure that your images maintain the highest quality.
So what’s YOUR take on the great debate?
